Forced soil cutting from cropland goes on in Faridpur

Published : Thursday, 15 February, 2018 at 12:00 AM Count : 41

Our Correspondent

FARIDPUR, Feb 14: Allegation has been raised that soil cutting from croplands by force for building a regional highway is going on here. Sources at Roads and Highways Department (RHD) said the widening work of the 43-kilometre long road from Majkandi in Madhukhali Upazila of Faridpur till Bhatiapara of Gopalganj has begun, which will cost Tk 150 crore. Six contactor groups are implementing the work.Enamul Molla of Beradi Village under Satair Union got the responsibility from the main contractor to supply soil for the road. He started the work since January 25 last.It is learnt from a local source that Enamul is involved in local Juba League politics. His brother Mojibor Rahman is Chairman of Satair Union Parishad (UP) and also general secretary of union Awami league (AL). It is alleged that Enamul is supplying soil beside the road after forcibly cutting soil from croplands and homesteads with the help of excavator. The land owners face threats if they forbid soil cutting, they said.Bhaila Khatun of Mahishal area said, "I have some vacant places in front of my house, but soil was cut out from there by the machine and supplied beside the road. If I forbid, I will have to face danger."Monsur Molla and Sujan Molla of the area echoed the same allegation.While asked, Enamul Haque said, "The allegation brought against me is baseless. It is a conspiracy hatched against me by my opponents." Satair UP Chairman Md. Mojibor Rahman said he has no involvement with his brother Enamul who is cutting soil.Sub-Assistant Engineer of RHD Awlad Hossain, who is supervising the road widening programme, said the sub-contractor was verbally asked not to cut earth from roadside, and a letter was also issued to him in this connection.